The Dighton-Rehoboth Regional School District increased police presence at its schools and didn't allow backpacks into the high school on Friday after rumors and incidents related to the Newtown shooting and Mayan apocalypse predictions.

The Dighton-Rehoboth Regional School District increased police presence at its schools and didn't allow backpacks into the high school on Friday after rumors and incidents related to the Newtown shooting and Mayan apocalypse predictions.

The school district sent out a message on Thursday through its website, alerting the community about its actions responding to potential threats.

"As is with many districts across Massachusetts and across the country, there have been many rumors based on last week's event in Connecticut and the Mayan 'predictions,'" the statement from the school district said.

"Please be assured that the local officials and the school district have followed up on every rumor and every incident that has come to us. We are working proactively for the safety of all of our students and staff."

The statement didn't give a reason why backpacks were banned only at the high school for Friday.

"We will have an increased police presence in each of the buildings tomorrow, and additionally, at the high school, we are not going to allow backpacks into the building," the message said.

The statement also expressed sympathy for the victims of the shooting at the Sandy Hook Elementary School in Newtown, Conn.

"Our thoughts and prayers are with all of those affected by the tragedy in Connecticut, and recognize that there is heightened anxiety everywhere," the statement said. "Please know that we are tremendously appreciative of the community support and feedback as we work through this difficult time. We wish everyone a peaceful holiday break, and a good start to a New Year when we return."

Superintendent Jennifer Wordell responded to questions regarding the rumors and incidents referred to in the online statement, and what led to a ban on backpacks at the high school on Friday. Wordell said the decision to not allow backpacks in the high school wasn't connected to a specific threat.

"The decision not to allow backpacks was a precautionary measure and not one that was reactive to a threat about backpacks at all," Wordell said in an email.

Wordell cited "the continual rumors that have been going on in our own district, contiguous districts, and across the state and nation" as the reason for the extra precautions on Friday. She also said that any rumors or incidents that led to the school's precautions were "tracked down" by police.

"The local police have done an outstanding job following up on all of our concerns and rumors," Wordell said. "We believe anything specific was tracked down, so we felt it was safe to open the schools. Due to the continued circulation of rumors and heightened concerns, as many communities are doing, we increased our police presence. We believe the proactive approach helps us to ensure the safety of our students and staff."

Page 2 of 2 - The Dighton-Rehoboth Regional School District posted another statement mid-morning Friday, updating the community on a "smooth" morning at the schools. The statement said that police presence at the schools would continue.

"We wanted to be sure to keep everyone updated, as well as reduce anxiety and concerns in the community," the message states. "We had a very smooth opening at all of our schools this morning, with particular increased security at the high school. We will have continued police presence with officers stationed at the high school, as well as a presence in our other schools throughout the day."

The school district statement called students and staff "extremely cooperative and supportive," adding that despite all of this "we are focusing on the business of learning and teaching today."

The statement wished everyone a good vacation. Friday is the last day of school before the break.

"Again, we cannot say enough in terms of our appreciation to the community, the local officials, and everyone at the schools," the statement said. "We wish you a wonderful holiday break and look forward to the New Year."